Medieval & Renaissance Manuscripts

Book of Hours
France, Paris, ca. 1500
MS H.5 fol. 138v

See more information »

Column miniature:
Christopher of Lycia: carrying Christ Child -- Christ-Child, nimbed, making gesture of blessing with right hand and holding globe in left hand, sits on back of Christopher of Lycia, both hands holding staff, walking in water. On right shore is half-figure of hermit, holding lantern in right hand. Scene in landscape setting.
Upper vignette:
Demetrius I: Bacchides and Alcimus sent against Jews -- Group of soldiers, wearing aromor, some holding spears, most with only tops of heads visible, stand facing man, holding hat in left hand and extending right hand. Scene in landscape setting.
Lower vignette:
Demetrius I: Bacchides and Alcimus sent against Jews -- Three soldiers, wearing armor and holding swords in their left hands, stand above two men, one reclining on ground, bleeding from wounds, and another, wearing hat, kneeling with right hand extended. Scene amid buildings.
Caption between vignettes reads, BACHIS ET TOUS SES GENS ALLERE(N)T VERS LA CITE QUA(N)T SURTE ENRENT ET PLUSIEURS DU PEUPLE TUERENT PAR QUOY TRAISTRES REPUTES FURST.
Margins decorated with floreate border, including violas and strawberries, inhabited by hybrid animal with monkey, winged, on its back.